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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
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AN 


ACCOUNT  OF  THE  VISIT 


OF  THE 


FRENCH  FRIGATE  L’ARTEMISE, 


TO  THE 


SANDWICH  ISLANDS; 


JUL.F,  IH39. 


?2?onoIuI«,  Sanlf.  KsUntiJi. 

1839. 


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We  the  undersigned  officers  of  the  United  States 
East  India  Squadron,  having  upon  our  arrival  at  this 
place,  heard  various  runnors  in  relation  and  derogato- 
ry to,  the  American  Mission  at  these  islands,  feel  it 
to  be  due,  not  only  to  the  missionaries  themselves, 
but  to  the  cause  of  truth  and  justice,  that  the  most 
unqualified  testimony  should  be  given  in  the  case;  and 
do  therefore  order  one  thousand  copies  of  the  annexed 
article  and  correspondence  to  be  printed  for  gratuitous 
distribution,  as  being  the  most  effectual  mode  of  set- 
tling this  agitated  question  in  the  minds  of  an  intelli- 
gent and  liberal  public. 

Being  most  decidedly  of  opinion  that  the  persons 
composing  the  Protestant  mission  of  these  islands  are 
American  citizens,  and,  as  such,  entitled  to  the  pro- 
tection which  our  Government  has  never  withheld; 
and  with  unwavering  confidence  in  the  justice  which 
has  ever  characterized  it,  we  rest  assured  that  any  in- 
sult offered  to  this  unoffending  class  will  be  promptly 
redressed. 

It  is  readily  admitted  that  there  may  be  in  the  ope- 
ration of  this,  as  in  all  other  systems  in  which  falli- 
ble man  has  any  agency,  some  objectionable  peculiari- 
ties; still,  as  a system,  it  is  deemed  comparatively 
unexceptionable,  and  believed  to  have  been  pursued 
in  strict  accordance  with  the  professed  principles  of 
the  Society  which  it  represents;  and  it  would  seem 
that  the  salutary  influence  exerted  by  (be  mission  on 
the  native  population,  ought  to  commend  it  to  the  con- 


fidence  and  kind  feelings  of  all  interested  in  the  dis- 
semination of  good  principles. 

GEO.  A.  MAGRUDER,  Lieutenanl. 
ANDREW  H.  FOOT,  Lieutenant. 

JOHN  W.  TURK,  Lieutenant. 

THOMAS  TURNER,  Lieutenant. 

JAS.  S.  PALMER,  Lieutenant. 

EDWD.  R.  THOMSON,  Lieutenant. 
AUGUSTUS  H.  KILTY,  Lieutenant. 

GEO.  B.  MINOR,  Lieutenant. 

JOHN  HASLETT,  Surgeon  of  the  Fleet. 
JOHN  A.  LOCKWOOD,  Surgeon. 
DANGERFIELD  FAUNTLEROY,  Purser. 
FITCH  W.  TAYLOR,  Chaplain. 
ROBERT  B.  PEGRAM,  blaster. 

JOSEPH  BEALE,  Ast.  Surgeon. 

J.  HENSHAW  BELCHER,  Prof.  Math’s. 
ALEXR.  G.  PENDLETON,  Prof . Math’s. 

Honolulu,  Oahu,  Nov.  1st,  1839. 


Note.  The  article  alluded  to  in  the  Circular  of  the  officers,  viz:  “Art  ac- 
count of  the  transactions  connected  with  the  visit  of  the  rArtemise,”  etc., 
published  in  the  October  No.  of  the  Hawaiian  Spectator,  has  been  reprint- 
ed with  the  correspondence,  in  pamphlet  form,  agreeable  to  the  request  of 
the  officers;  but  as  the  demand  has  been  greater  than  was  anticipated,  it  has 
been  thought  advisable  to  reprint  a few  hundred  copies  of  the  correspond- 
ence alone,  for  the  benefit  of  those  who  have  been  supplied  with  the  original 
article  from  other  sources. 


CORRESPO]\DE]\CE 


On  the  9th  of  October  the  United  States  East  In- 
dia Squadron,  consisting  of  the  Frigate  Columbia, 
Commodore  Read,  commanding  the  squadron,  and 
the  Sloop  of  war  John  Adams,  Captain  Wyman,  ar- 
rived at  Honolulu  from  Macao,  and  sailed  again  for 
the  United  States  on  the  4th  of  November. 

During  the  stay  of  the  Squadron,  the  following 
correspondence  took  place: — 

No.  1. 

The  Missionaries  at  Honolulu  to  Commodore  Read. 

Honolulu,  October  16,1839. 

Sir: — Presuming  that  j'ou  are  already  aware  of  an  attempt  to  deprive 
us  of  our  rights  as  American  citizens,  and  to  make  us  liable  to  the  ravages 
of  war  upon  the  nation  for  its  alledged  oUences,  as  tho’  we  were  a part  ot 
the  native  population  of  the  Sandwich  Islands;  and  considering  ourselves  as 
having  been  virtually  proscribed  as  the  enemies  of  France  by  the  command- 
ing officer  of  the  French  t'rigate  I’Artemise  lately  at  this  port,  and  charged 
w ith  crimes  in  a manner  likely  to  prejudice  the  public  mind  against  us,  both 
as  citizens,  and  as  tbe  representatives  of  an  intelligent,  respectable  and  phi- 
lanthropic chartered  Society  in  the  United  States  — the  American  Hoard  of 
Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions — we  owe  it  to  ourselves  as  citizens,  to 
the  community  we  represent,  and  to  the  government  whose  piotectionwe 
claim,  that  w e avail  ourselves  of  the  earliest  opportunity  to  ask  an  inves- 
tigation of  the  question,  whether  by  any  act  or  acts  of  ours,  or  by  our  in- 
structions, or  intluence,  or  general  course  of  life,  since  the  visit  of  Capt. 
Jones,  in  the  U.  S.  Sloop  of  war  Peacock  to  these  shores,  we  have  lost  our 
American  citizenship,  or  forfeited  the  protection  of  the  United  Slates. 

Taking  it  for  granted,  frem  your  high  station  and  the  objects  of  your  pur- 
suits, that  the  interests  of  no  class  of  American  citizens  whom  you  may  meet 
in  your  course,  if  in  any  way  exposed  to  suffer  unjustly,  can  be  willingly 
overlooked  by  you,  we  solicit  your  kind  attention  to  this  subject,  andrequest 
that  you  will  do  us  the  favor  to  examine  the  above  questions  yourself,  and, 
should  you  prefer  it,  associate  with  you  a number  of  your  commissioned  of- 


(2) 


firers,  or  if  that  slioiilil  aeeni  to  you  objectionable,  you  will  consent  to  ap- 
point from  your  Squadron  a committee  or  court  of  inquiry,  consiting  o( 
(Captain  Wyman  and  as  large  a number  of  commissioned  ofticers  as  can  pos- 
sibly be  spared  for  that  purpose. 

While  we  maintain  that  we  are  not  the  authors  or  dictators  of  any  of 
the  penal  laws  of  this  country,  or  of  the  punishments  inflicted  on  offenders; 
that  we  have  not  held  and  do  not  hold  any  civil  office  under  this  government, 
we  are  willing  to  submit  the  question  whether  the  mission  as  a body,  or  as 
individuals,  are  in  any  way  the  authors  or  the  blamable  cause  of  the  perse- 
■cutions  which  have  at  di.fferent  times  e.\isted  here.  , 

We  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

\ our  obedient  servants. 


H.  B1JVGMA.M, 
LowEi-i.  Smith, 

Levi  Chamberlain, 
Edwin  Locke, 


G.  I'.  Judd, 

A.  S.  Cooke, 
II.  O.  Knapp, 

H.  Dimond. 


To  Geo.  C.  Read,  Esq.,  Commanding 
the  U.  S.  East  India  Squadron,  Hono- 
lulu Roads,  Sandwich  Islands. 


No.  2. 


The  jyfissionaries  to  Commodore  Read. 

Honolulu,  October  24th,  13S9. 

Sir;— On  the  16th  instant  we  had  the  honor  of  addressing  to  you  a com- 
Tnunication,  in  which  we  respectfully  solicited  an  investigation  of  our  con- 
-duct  in  reference  to  the  charges  against  us  contained  in  the  Manifesto  ad- 
dressed  to  the  Sandwich  Island  government  by  the  commanding  officer  of 
-the  French  Frigate  I’Artemise. 

Our  object  in  presenting  this  petition  was  to  obtain,  if  possible,  a decision  of 
the  question  whether  we  have  lost  our  American  citizenship  or  forfeited 
the  protection  of  the  United  States,  as  implied  in  the  Manifesto  above  refer- 
ed  to;  or  whether  we  have  a right  as  peaceable  citizens  of  the  United  States,, 
to  claim  protection  against  hostilities  from  any  foreign  power  with  which 
-our  country  is  on  terms  of  amity,  should  any  such  hereafter  wage  war  upon 
this  nation. 

The  investigation  of  this  subject  and  decision  of  the  question,  we  still  deem 
■of  great  importance,  and  we  would  earnestly  renew  our  request  for  an  inves- 
tigation; nay,  we  beg  leave  respectfully  to  claim  it  as  injured  Americans; 
that  the  proceedings  may  be  forwarded  to  our  government  and  to  the  -Ameri- 
can Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions. 

Should  you  already  have  made  arrangements  to  sail  soon,  we  would  ask 
the  indulgence  of  having  the  stay  of  the  squadron  prolonged  for  a few  days 
on  the  ground  of,  and  the  reasons  for  our  appeal ; unless  you  are  already 
prepared  to  assure  the  United  States  government  that  we  are  unjustly  ac- 
cused, and  have  been  unjustly  proscribed  as  the  enemies  of  France. 

For  ourselves  we  know  not  what  is  the  testimony  on  which  we  have  been 
proscribed ; nor  can  we  for  a moment  believe  there  is  any  which  is  valid. 
Should  it  be  evident  to  your  mind  that  there  is  none,  you  will  do  us  the  fa- 


(3) 


vor  to  inform  us  in  reply  to  our  communications:  and  if  there  is  any  ground 
for  the  charges  brought  against  us,  which  can  be  regarded  as  valid ; you  will 
not  fail  to  perceive  that  our  duty  to  ourselves  and  to  the  society  which  we 
represent  requires  that  we  should  urge  this  subject  upon  your  attention  that 
it  may  receive  a thorough  investigation,  while  the  squadron  still  remains  at 
tliis  port. 

\Ve  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servants. 


H.  Bingham, 

Levi  Chamberlain, 
A.  Bishop, 

S.  N.  Castle, 


G.  P.  Judd, 

H.  O.  Knapp, 
A.  S.  Cooke, 
L.  Smith. 


To  Geo.  C.  Read,  Esq.,  Commanding 
the  U.  S.  East  India  Squadron,  Hono- 
lulu Roads,  Sandwich  Islands. 


No  3. 


The  Missionaries  to  the  United  States  Consul. 


Honolulu,  Oct  25,  1839. 

Sir; — We  have  addressed  to  G.  C.  Read  Esq.,  commanding  the  U.  S. 
squadron  now  lying  in  this  port  two  communications  under  date  of  the  16th, 
and  24th  inst,  copies  of  which  we  hand  you  enclosed  for  your  information, 
requesting  that  a court  of  inquiry  may  be  appointed  from  officers  of  the  squad- 
ron to  investigate  our  conduct  and  ascertain  whether  we  have  in  any  way 
violated  our  neutrality  towards  the  French  nation  as  American  citizens,  and 
may  properly  be  treated  as  the  enemies  of  the  French ; and  we  have  to  request 
that  you  would  use  your  influence  to  forward  our  suit  in  your  official  capaci- 
ty, as  we  feel  that,  as  American  citizens,  we  have  a right  to  demand  at  the 
hands  of  our  country  that  justice  which  her  humblest  sons  may  claim. 

When  we  reflect  that  a Frigate  was  sent  to  investigate  and  redress  the 
wrongs  inflicted  on  American  citizens  by  the  Malays  in  the  island  of  Suma- 
tra, we  feel  that  the  recent  proscription  entitles  us  to  the  privilege  of  asking 
the  detention  of  the  squadron,  while  a full  and  impartial  investigation  may  take 
place ; that  our  government  may  be  furnished  with  all  the  facts  and  requisite 
information  in  relation  to  the  proceedings.  W'e  feel  solemnly  bound  to  urge 
ourrequestfor  an  investigation,  not  only  on  our  own  account,  but  for  the 
general  benefit  of  our  countrymen,  of  whatever  calling  they  may  be;  for,  if 
the  principle  be  established  by  precedent  or  otherwise,  that  our  proscription 
by  the  French  commander  was  legal  and  just,  then  all  security  for  our  lives 
and  the  lives  of  our  families,  our  property  and  the  commercial  interests 
of  our  country,  is  at  an  end. 

We  remain,  very  respectfully.  Your  Obt.  Servts. 

H.  Bingham,  S.  N.  Castle, 

Gerrit  P.  Judd,  H.  Dimond, 

Levi  Chamberl.ain,  H.  O.  Knapp,  • 

A.  S.  Cooke,  Lowell  Smith. 


To  P.  .A.  Brinsmade,  Eisq., 
United  States  Consul; 
Honolulu,  Sandwich  Islands 


(4) 


.\o.  4. 

The  United  States  Consul  to  the  King. 

United  States  Consulate,  ) 

Sandwich  Islands,  Oct,  26, 1839.  J 

Sir: — As  the  opinion  seemsto  be  to  some  extent  entertained  that  American 
citizens  residing  in  the  Sandwich  Islands  as  missionaries  under  the  patronage 
of  an  Incorporated  Institution  of  the  United  States,  havee.xerted  acontroling 
influence  upon  the  framoi-s  of  the  laws  of  this  country,  I have  very  respect- 
fully to  inquire,  if  they  have  ever  had  any  voice  in  the  passage  of  laws  affect- 
ing the  interests  of  other  foreigners,  and  particularly  whether  they  have  ever 
had  any  thing  to  do  in  the  measures  adopted  by  your  government  for  the 
prevention  of  the  introduction  of  the  Catholic  religion  into  the  countiy.  And 
whether  in  the  treatment  which  has  been  shown  to  any  subject  of  the  goveni- 
iiient  of  France,  they  have  directly  or  indirectly  recommended  the  course  pur. 
sued  by  your  government,  and  also  whether  in  the  attempts  made  under  your 
autliority  to  suppress  the  public  exercise  of  the  Roman  CathoUc  religion  on 
the  part  of  your  own  subjects  they  have  countenanced  those  attempts.  If 
they  have  in  any  of  these  respects  controled  the  action  of  your  government, 
will  you  be  pleased  to  infrom  me  very  explicitly  in  what  manner  and  to 
what  extent.  An  early  reply  will  be  a favor. 

With  the  highest  considerations, 

I have  the  honor  to  be. 

Your  Majesty’s  most  obt.  servt., 

P.  A.  BRINSMADE, 
United  States  Consul. 

To  His  Majesty,  K.\mf,hameha  III., 

King  of  the  Sandwich  Islands. 


No.  5. 

The  King  to  the  United  States  Consul. 

TRANSLATION. 

Kauwila  House,  present  Residence  of  the  \ 
King  of  Haw'aii,  Oct.  28,  1839.  y - 

My  Respects  to  you 
the  American  Consul, 

I have  received  your  letter  asking  questions  respecting  the  American  mis- 
sionaries, supposed  by  some  to  regulate  the  acts  of  my  government  under 
me ; I,  together  with  the  chiefs  under  me,  now  clearly  declare  to  you,  that 
we  do  not  see  any  thing  in  w liich  your  questions  are  applicable  to  the  Ameri- 
can missionaries.  From  the  time  the  missionaries  first  arrived,  they  have 
asked  liberty  to  dwell  in  these  Islands.  Communicating  instruction  in  letters, 
and  delivering  the  word  of  God  has  been  their  business. 

I'hey  were  hesitatingly  permitted  to  remain  by  the  chiefs  of  that  time,  be- 
cause they  were  said  to  be  about  to  take  away  the  country.  We  e.\ercised 


forbearance  ho.vever,  and  protected  all  the  mis-fionaries,  and  as  they  fre- 
quently arrived  in  this  country , we  permitted  them  to  remain  in  this  kingdom 
because  they  asked  it,  and  when  we  saw  the  excellence  of  their  labors,  th^ 
some  of  the  chiefs  and  people  turned  to  them  in  order  to  be  instructed  in 
letters,  for  those  things  were  in  our  opinion  really  true. 

VVlien  the  Priests  of  the  Romish  religio  i landed  at  these  Islands,  they  did 
not  first  make  known  to  us  their  desire  to  dwell  on  the  islands,  and  also 
their  business.  There  vv;is  not  a clear  understanding  with  tliis  company  of 
priests  as  there  was  with  that;  because  they  landed  in  the  country  secretly 
without  Kiahuminu’s  hearing  any  thing  about  their  remaining  here. 

When  the  number  of  the  followers  of  the  Romish  religion  became  consi- 
derable, certain  Captains  of  whaleships  told  Kaahumanu  of  the  evil  of  this 
way,  and  thus  Captain  D . . . informed  me  of  a groat  destruction  in  Bri- 
tain in  ancient  time,  and  that  his  ancestors  di  • J in  that  slaughter,  and  he 
thought  a like  work  would  soon  be  done  here.  That  was  the  company  who 
informed  us  of  the  evil  of  the  Romish  religion,  and  also  a certain  French 
man  of  war,  and  a certain  British  man  of  war  approved  of  what  we  did. 

In  as  much  as  I do  not  know  of  the  .\merican  missionaries  having  had  any 
thing  to  do  in  my  business  with  my  chiefs,  I have  therefore  inquired  of  them 
the  chiefs,  and  they  say,  no,  in  the  same  manner  as  I now  say,  no,  to  you. 

Some  of  them  however  have  told  mo  of  having  known  certain  things  done 
by  certain  missionaries,  viz.,  what  .Mr.  Bingham  said  to  Kaahumanu,  “I 
have  seen  some  people  made  to  serve  at  hard  labor  on  account  of  their 
having  worshiped  according  to  the  Romish  religion.  Whoso  thought  is 
that?”  Kaahumanu  said  to  him,  “Mine.”  Then  he  that  spake  to  her  ob- 
jected quickly,  saying,  “It  is  not  proper  for  you  to  do  thus,  for  you  have  no 
law  that  will  apply.”  When  he  said  that,  then  Kaahumanu  immediately 
replied  to  him  with  great  strength,  “The  law  respecting  Idolatry;  for  their 
worship  is  like  that  which  we  have  forsaken.”  Mr.  Clark  also,  and 
Mr.  Chamberlain  spoke  to  Kinau  while  Kaahumanu  was  yet  alive,  and  ob- 
jected to  said  conduct,  and  afterwards  Dr.  Judd.  And  at  a certain  time  Mr. 
Bingham  and  Mr.  Bishop  disputed  strongly  with  Kinau  on  account  of  the 
wrong  of  punishing  those  of  the  Romish  religion. 

And  now  in  Kekauluohi’s  time  Mr.  Richards  disputed  strongly  with  Ke- 
kuanaoa,  urging  the  entire  abolition  of  that  thing,  and  that  kindness  should 
be  bestowed  on  them,  that  they  might  be  pleased,  giving  them  al.so  an  in- 
structor to  teach  them  the  right  way;  and  thus  also  he  said  to  Kekauluohi 
and  to  mo. 

And  afterwards  when  Mr.  Bingham  heard  by  Mr.  Ilooperthat  certain  wo. 
men  were  confined  in  irons  at  the  fort  he  went  immediately  and  made  known 
to  Kekuanaoa  the  wickedness  of  their  confinement  for  that  thing,  and  when 
Kekuanaoa  heard  it,  he  immediately  sent  a man,  and  afterwards  went  him- 
self to  the  fort  to  set  the  prisoners  free,  for  their  confinement  was  not  by 
order  of  the  chiefs. 

Should  it  be  said  by  accu.sers  that  the  .\merican  missionaries  are  the  authors, 
of  one  law  of  the  kingdom,  the  law  respecting  the  sale  of  rum,  or  if  not,  that 
they  have  urged  it  strongly,  I would  say,  a number  of  Captains  of  whalft 
Ships  commenced  that  thing,  thousands  of  my  own  people  supported  them^ 
and  when  my  chiefs  saw  that  it  was  a good  thing,  they  requested  me  to  do 
according  to  the  petition  of  that  company,  and  when  I saw  that  it  was  real" 
ly  an  excellent  thing,  then  I chose  that  as  a rule  of  my  kingdom. 


(GJ- 

But  that  thinj  which  you  speili  to  me  of,  that  they  act  with  us,  or  over- 
rule our  acts,  wc3eny  it,  it  is  not  so. 

'We  think  that  perhaps  tlie.se  are  tlieir  real  crimes; 

Their  teaching  us  knowledge.  Their  living  with  us,  and  sometimes  trans- 
kiting  between  us  and  foreigners.  Their  not  taking  the  sword  into  their  liand 
and  saying  to  us  with  power,  stop,  ptuiish  not  the  worshipers  in  the  Koinish 
religion. 

B.it,  to  stand  at  variance  with,  and  to  confine  that  compan;.’,  they  have 
never  spoken  like  that  since  the  time  of  Kaahunijinu  I.  down  to  the  time  that 
the  Romish  priest  was  confined  on  board  the  Euro  pa. 

I think,  perhaps  these  things  are  not  clear  to  you;  it  would  perhaps  be 
proper,  therefore,  that  the  American  missionaries  siiould  be  e.vainined  be- 
^e  you  and  Commodore  Read,  and  us  also. 

T*  us  I have  written  you  with  Respect. 

(Signed)  Iu\.MEHAMEHA  UI. 


No.  G. 

Commodore  Read  to  the  JUissionarics. 

U.  States  Frigate  Columbia,  t 
Honolulu  Roads,  Oaliu,  October  28th,  18.39.  j 
Gentleme.v;— The  receipt  of  your  letters  of  tlie  16lh  and  2-Uh  instant,. 
IS  hereby  acknowledged.  .An  answer  would  have  been  returned  at  an  eaili- 
er  date  had  not  numerous  engagements  and  pressing  business  prevented. 

I am  deeply  grieved  to  learn  that  on  the  late  visit  of  the  French  Frigate 
FArteraise  the  protection  which  was  otlered  to  all  other  .American  residents 
at  this  place,  w'.as  refused  to  you  on  the  ground  of  your  being  “enemies  of 
France,”  and  that  you  were  considered  by  her  commander  as  having  iden- 
tiliod  ymurselves  with  the  native  population,  and  therefore  liable  to  the 
ravages  of  a war  which  he  contemplated  making  upon  the  goveiimient  of 
these  islajids. 

I am  also  aware  that  you  are  what  you  announce  yourselves  to  be,  “the 
representatives  of  an  intelligent,  respectable  and  philanthropic  chaiteied 
society  in  the  United  Sf  ftfes,”  and  that  as  siy  li,  and  individually  as  eilEeiis 
of  the  United  States,  you  a.A  entitled  to  my  p’.o'ection.  Eut  the  acts  of 
which  you  complain  are  of  a date  which  h.as  enabled  you  to  make  a repuc- 
sentatioTi  of  them  to  your  government,  and  I am  not  of  opinion  that  an  in- 
vestigation such  as  that  you  a.sk  for  could  at  ihi.s  time  be  efiecled  in  a satis- 
factory manner  to  yourselves  or  to  others  who  mirht  desire  it. 

In  the  first  place,  the  time  I have  piroscribed  for  remaining  here,  does  not 
admit  of  my  undertaking  such  an  inquiry.  The  ri.-k  atlendiiig  my  Ijing 
in  these  Roads  beyond  the  la.st  of  the  present  month;  the  inii>ossibility  too 
of  obtaining  bread,  of  which  wo  shall  be  in  want  before  ue  can  reach  South 
America;  and  tlie  circumstance  t'ul  nearly  all  the  officers  who  m ould  be 
-required  to  constitute  such  a Board,  or  ('ourt  as  tint  you  propose,  being  at 
present  employed  on  court-martial  duty , arc  further  and  serious  obstacles 
in  the  way  of  my  yielding  to  your  wishes. 

If  time  and  other  circumstanocs  would  permit,  a Board  or  Court  migh  t 
be  appointed,  but  the  power  to  summon  witnesses  would  be  wanting,  ami, 
gefusal'to  attend  would  place  me  in  an  awkward  po.sitien. 


Moreover,  t tliiiik  that  m the  present  state  of  excitement  such  a coui^ 
would  be  more  likely  to  increase  than  to  allay  it;  and  that  though  yoil 
might  satisfy  your  friends  at  home  of  the  charges  being  unfounded,  you 
might  not  be  able  to  accomplish  that  object  here.  That  you  have  acted,  or 
meant  to  act  by  any  advice  or  by  any  opinions  you  may  have  given  to  the 
government  as  the  “enemies  of  France,”  I cannot  believe.  It  cannot  ha 
supposed  by  me  that  you  entertain  hostility  towards  a nation  with  which 
we  are  at  peace,  and  towards  the  subjects  of  nhichitisthe  desire  of  onr 
government  and  people  to  cherish  a friendship. 

This  charge  h.as  no  doubt  grown  out  of  the  barvshinent  by  the  government 
ofthese  islanrU,  ofsome  llopiin  Catholic  Priests,  and  the  prosecuiionofsoine 
of  the  native  proselytes  to  the  Roman  Catholic  religion,  measures,  of  which 
you  have  been  considered  the  advisers.  .No  proof,  however,  has  been  receiv- 
ed by  me  that  you  were  the  authors  of  these  acts,  and  from  information 
received  1 have  every  reason  to  believe  that  the  landing  on  these  Isl.ands  of 
clerg  yinen  of  the  Roman  catholic  faith  was  opposed  by  o;hers  than  those 
of  tiie  American  mission,  or  of  the, country  from  which  the  mission  comes, 
from  a conscientious  belief  that  ir  wrmld  promote  the  happiness  of  tho 
people  to  have  but  one  religious  creed  taught  them. 

Cut  admitting  that  you  did  exercise  the  influence  which  your  situation  gave 
you  to  prevent  other  religious  denominations  coming  here,  you  did  no  more 
than  counsel,  as  is  natural  to  man  in  such  cases. 

Some  of  yoji  were  the  first  missionaries  who  came  hither  to  teach  the 
gospel  of  iha^ld  and  New  Testament.  Vou  obtained  a favorable  reception 
and  siicccecfed  in  the  accomplishment  of  your  object  beyond  exi>cctatioii, 
having  in  a few  years  converted  to  the  faith  you  preached,  a greater  propoi* 
lion  of  the  inhabitants  than  has  been  e;Tccted  in  any  other  quarter  of  the- 
globe  in  the  same  time. 

In  a population  of  only  100,000  human  brings,  at  which  the  inhabif.ants  of- 
this  archipelago  is  estimated,  it  was  thought  lh.'>t  much  mischief  might  grow 
out  of  a gcne.-al  permission  to  the  clergy  of  all  denominations  to  tc.ach  their- 
peculiar  tenets.  On  this  ground,  as  I ie.xrn,  (he  ititroJuciion  of  the  Roman 
Catholic  religion  into  these  islands  was  oppoted,  and  not  hecauso  they  hap-, 
pened  to  be  natives  of  France  who  came  to  these  shores  for  tho  santo. 
purpose. 

If  you  ask  me  whnt  steps  you  are  to  take  to  prove  your  innocenre  of 
what  you  are  pleased  to  call  char-cr,  and  do  .v.vny  if  possible  with  the 
prejudice  which  may  exl-sf  at  Ho.-mlulu,  my  antwo.-  b,  that  you  have  alrea- 
dy informed  your  government  of  all  tlic  eiTcuni!^anres  of  the  case,  and 
that.  II  our  rulers  deem  an  inquiry  necessary  they  will  no  doubt  dir^t  if 
to  be  made. 

In  the  mean  ti.-ne.  I wo  d-d  reco.mnTOnd  the  utmost  forbo^ararire  as  the 
b«5t  and  only  rnaJr  ofdisir.ming  your  oppo.nents  of  anv  resentments  they 
may  feel. 

I shall  make  it  my  bu-iness  to  represent  <o  thg  commander  of  the  Pacific 
Squ  ithon  the  pb-uli.u  sim-ition  in  whr'b  ymt  have  b->en  placed-,  and  request 
that  he  may  send  a v-acvsel  of  war  to  visit  you  f.-om  time  to  time.  I shall 
also  make  kno'vn  your  appreuencioas  to  my  go  'eriimcnt,  and  I doubt  not 
every  pft'eclion  *eill  af?*'>rd6d  you. 


(8) 


Accept  my  best  wishes  for  your  future  peace  and  happiness  and  believe 
roc,  gentlemen, 

With  much  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

GEO.  C.  RE.\D, 

Commanding  the  L . States  East  India  Squadron. 


To  Rev.  Messrs.  H.  Bingham, 

••  " L.  Smith. 

**  “ A.  Bishop, 

'*  L.  Chamberlain, 

'■  G.  P.  Judd, 

" H.  O.  Knapp, 

" A.  S.  Coolie, 

" Edwin  Locke, 

" 11.  Dimond, 

6.  N.  Castle. 

No  7. 


The  United  States  Consul  to  Commodore  Rend, 

U.  States  Consulate,  1 

Sandwich  Islands,  Oct.  29,  1839.  y 

6i  H ; — I have  before  me  a communication  from  several  individuals  of  the 
American  mission  at  these  islands,  requesting  of  me  any  aid  1 can  furnish 
you  towards  an  investigation  of  the  charges  in  which  tliey  were  involved  in 
the  recent  correspondence  between  an  officer  of  the  French  navy  and  the 
authorities  of  this  country. 

It  seems  to  me  quite  probable  that  a note  of  inquiry  calling  for  a specifica- 
tion of  charges  and  the  grounds  on  which  they  rest,  addressed  officially  by 
you  to  the  French  Consul,  would  evolve  all  the  information  that  is  desired, 
and  put  you  in  possession  of  all  the  opinions  which  induced  Capt.  Laplace 
to  place  the  missionaries  in  a position  so  offensive  to  them. 

The  result  of  such  an  inquiry  might  be  of  service  to  our  government,  as 
well  as  a satisfaction  to  yourself;  and  the  fact  of  such  inquiry  being  made, 
would  also  serve  to  show  to  this  community^  both  natives  and  foreigners,  that 
those  who  conduct  the  naval  forces  sent  abroad  under  the  authority'  and  to 
sustain  the  honor  of  the  United  States,  are  equally  watchful  for  the  interests 
of  their  fellow  citizens,  whatever  may  be  their  avocation,  as  those  who  hold 
similar  commissions  from  other  powers. 

With  every  sentiment  of  resixtct, 

I am.  Sir,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

P.  A.  BRLVS.MADE. 

ToGeorgk  C.  Read,  Esq., 

Comd’ng  U.  S.  East  India  Squadron. 


So,  8. 


Commodore  Read  to  the  U.  S.  Consul. 

U.  Sates  Frigate  Coliunbia, 

Honolulu,  Oahu,  Oct.  31,  18.^9. 

Sir; — By  your  letter  of  the  2ltth  instant  received  yesterday  1 am  in- 


formed  that  you  “have  before  you  a coimuuiiicafion  from  several  individual^ 
of  the  American  niissionanes  at  these  Islands  requesting  of  you  any  aid  you 
can  furnish  me  towards  an  investigation  of  the  charges  in  which  they  were, 
involved  in  the  rerent  correspondence  between  an  officer  of  the  French 
navy  and  the  authorities  of  this  country.” 

•And  you  further  state  that  it  sems  to  you  “quite  probable  that  a note  ol 
inquiry,  calling  for  a specification  of  charges  and  the  grounds  on  which  they 
rest,  addressed  by  me  to  the  French  Consul  would  evolve  all  the  information 
that  is  desired,  and  put  me  in  possession  of  all  the  opinions  which  induced 
Capt.  I-.aplace  to  place  the  missionaries  in  a position  so  ofiensive  to  them.” 
In  reply  it  is  my  duty  to  inform  ) ou  that  all  such  applications,  if  deenied 
necessary,  should  be  made  by  the  Consul  or  by  the  American  missionaries 
themselves,  and  that  I must  decline  having  any  thing  to  do  with  the  French 
Consul  at  this  late  hour,  on  the  subject;  Want  oftime,  the  risk  attending 
the  lying  in  these  Roads,  and  the  belief  that  it  could  answer  no  useful 
purpose  are,  if  I had  no  other  reasons  for  declining,  sufficient  to  deter  me 
from  entering  upon  an  investigation  of  charges  which  have  e.xistcd  from  a 
period  anterior  to  the  visits  of  any  of  our  rnen-of-war  at  these  islands.  Three 
weeks  have  elapsed  since  my  arrival  here.  If  specifications  of  charges  be 
required  of  the  French  Consul,  why  w ere  they  not  applied  for  long  since? 
Surely  the  American  missionaries  did  not  entertain  the  belief  that  1 would 
lie  in  this  exposed  Roadstead  for  an  indefinite  time  to  inquire  into  grievances 
which  it  is  out  of  my  power  to  redress.  You  know  that  had  I received  the 
provisions  sent  for  to  another  island,  it  was  my  intention  to  have  sailed  on 
Wednesday  last.  .And  the  reasons  given  in  my  letter  of  the  28th  instant, 
were,  I should  think,  ample  to  s.itisfy  the  American  mission  that  it  was 
from  necessity,  and  not  for  want  of  inclination,  that  I declined  taking  up 
the  matter  at  issue  beween  their  opponents  and  themselves. 

Every  day’s  detention  in  my  pre.sent  position  admonishes  me  the  more 
that  I should  leave  this  anchorage  as  soon  as  possible.  And  if  the  schooner 
does  not  arrive  by  tomorrow,  I shall  feel  my.self  obliged  to  sail  without  the 
supply  of  provisions  sent  for. 

In  answering  the  remarks  contained  in  the  last  paragraph  of  your  letter, 

I must  observe  that  however  satisfactory  such  an  investigation  might  be  to 
my  govcnimcnt  and  self,  I cannot  believe  that  it  would  change  the  opinions 
entertained  by  either  friends  or  enemies.  Those  who  conduct  the  naval  for- 
ces of  our  government  will  always  feel  thcinsclvcs  in  duty  bound  to  protect 
the  citizens  of  the  United  States  atiroad  whatever  may  be  their  avocation, 
but  I am  equally  certain  that  no  step  could  be  taken  by  me  that  would 
remove  long  standing  and  deep  rooted  prejudice. 

If  specifications  ol  the  charges  exhibited  against  the  Americ,an  mi.^sionaries 
by  Capt.  Laplace  can  be  obtained  from  the  French  Consul,  I will  deliver 
them  to  my  government,  with  a suitably  earnest  request  that  they  may  he 
inquired  into.  Hut  if  you  still  de.rire  that  I shall  remain  to  prosecute  the 
investigation,  you  must  find  a harbor  into  which  the  ship  can  go,  and  lie 
in  safety. 

I am.  Sir,  very  respectfully,  vour  obedient  servant, 

(iF.O.  C.  READ, 

Commanding  I'.  East  India  Squadron. 

To  I . .V.  Hrinsmade  F««q., 

I . S Consul,  Oahu, 

.‘'andwich  Islands. 


Some  of  the  copies  of  this  letter  are,  by  mi.sprinti  dated  28. 


( 10) 


No.  9. 

'Vhe  United  States  Consul  to  Commodore  Read. 

United  Stales  Consulate,  } 

Saiidwie!)  Islands,  Oct.  31,  1839.  5 

Sir; — Yours  of  present  dale  has  this  moment  been  handed  to  me  and  I 
hasten  to  say  that  1 was  aware  when  1 addressed  you  on  the  29th  inst,  ol  the 
difficulties  and  cmharrassments  that  might  attend  an  investigatio.n  in  the  form 
suggested  by  the  .Am.  .Missionaries,  and  I fully  appreciate  your  objections  to 
attempt  a thorough  inquiry,  at  this  late  hour,  into  the  ciicurnstances  by 
which  many  of  your  fellow  citizens  at  these  Ulands  have  been  exposed  to 
insult  and  outrage.  I hope  that  you,  also,  will  duly  estimate  the  disadvantages 
which  would  attend  any  inquiries  that  might  be  instituted  by  me. 

The  opinion  which  1 adopted  when  the  I’.Artemise  was  liere  remains  uut 
changed,  that  inquiries  into  the  proceedings  of  Capt.  Laplace,  so  far  as  Ameri- 
can interests  were  involved,  to  be  most  eflective,  should  be  originated  at 
Washington;  and,  with  that  view,  I have  transmitted  to  the  department  of 
State,  a circumstantial  account  of  those  proceedings.  In  that  account  w ill 
be  found  a general  statement  made  by  Capt.  Laplace  of  oflenses  against  his 
government,  for  which  he  held  certain  .American  citiaens  responsible.  The 
p)arlies  implicated  disclaimed  all  such  responsibility,  but  owing  to  the  pe- 
culiar state  of  the  community',  and  the  agitating  circumstances  under  which 
the  charges  originated,  they  judged  it  e.xpedicnt  to  bring  their  grievances  be- 
fore their  government  in  the  form  of  a memorial  to  Congiess.  in  preference 
to  any  protest  or  remonstrance  addre.=sed  to  Capt.  Laplace.  Having  adopted 
this  decision  to  address  their  wrongs  and  petitions  to  the  highest  earthly  pow- 
er to  which  they  could  look,  I had  supposed  that  the  matter  would  be  left 
for  the  action  of  their  goverment.  When  therefore  they  desired  me  to 
further  their  application  to  you  for  an  inquiry  info  the/ucts  connected  with 
their  relations  to  this  government  and  to  that  of  France,  1 believed  it  to  be 
their  purpose  to  put  you  in  possession  of  such  truth  as  would  be  useful  to  the 
government  and  people  of  their  native  country,  and  not  their  e.xpectation 
that  you  would  take  the  matter  of  redressing  their  wior.gs  from  the  hands  to 
which  they  had  so  gravely  committed  it. 

If  it  be  impracticable  for  yon  to  remain  in  the  e.xposed  situation  of  your 
ship  “to inquire  into  grievances  which  it  is  out  of  your  power  to  redress,”  it 
would  “a  fortiori”  be  inexpedient  for  me  to  puisue  such  an  inquiry,  for  with 
your.'elf,  “I  am  equally  certain  that  no  step  could  be  taken  by  me  that 
would  remove  long  standing  and  deep  rooted  prejudice.” 

In  my’  view,  however,  the  removal  of  prejudice,  the  vindication  of  p.er- 
son.'il  character  or  the  effacing  of  any  stigma  that  may  have  attached  to  pro- 
fessional avocation  how  ever  desirable  or  gratifying  it  might  be  to  all  parlies, 
neither  you  or  myself  can  be  called  upon  pJficicUyxo  undertake:— But  when  it 
is  represented  that  essential  interests  are  jeopardized  and  rights  guaranteed 
by  the  highest  powers  of  our  government  aie  invaded,  and  even  the  proud 
claim  to  .Americjn  citizenship  is  denied,  responsibility  becomes  serious,  and 
indispensable,  except  it  be  obviated  by  uncontrolable  necessity,  and  such  a 
necessity  seems  by  your  statements,  plainly  to  exist  in  your  case.  I hope 
however  that  every  attention  that  may  be  due  from  our  government  to  the 
individuals  who  have  represented  their  injuries  to  you,  will  be  promptly  af- 
forded; and  tliat  you  will  not  only  urge  the  subject  upon  the  regards  of  the 


I ) 


department  to  which  your  official  correspondence  is  addressed,  but  that  you 
will  also  strongly  present  to  the  Commander  of  our  naval  forces  on  the  Pa- 
cific station  the  need  of  the  protection  and  countenance  of  a frequent  visit  of 
a ship  ofvvar  at  these  islands. 

You  have  had  opportunity  to  learn  much  of  the  great  and  rapidly  increas- 
ing value  of  American  interest  here,  and  in  the  vnew  which  you  are  pleased 
to  take  of  the  recent  ev. -r  s that  have  transpired  among  us,  it  must  be  per- 
fectly preceptible  how  liable  ail  the.se  interests  are  at  every  moment,  to  be 
put  in  imminent  peril  if  not  sacrificed. 

I fed  ine.vpressihly  happy  in  view  of  the  favorable  termination  of  our 
long  standing  dilTicnUics  and  misunderstandings  between  foreign  residents 
and  this  government  which  has  been  effected  by  your  persevering  kindness  and 
addres-s;  and  1 hope  that  the  assurance  may  be  gratifying  to  you  that  you 
will  leave  our  comimmity  in  apparently  a better  mood  of  feeling  tlian  has 
existed  for  several  years. 

Tliose  of  your  fellow-cifi.tens,  wh.osc  ob'eef  of  living  on  these  shores  is  ra- 
ther to  impart  than  acquire,  will  p.mbdhly  feel  encouraged  by  the  very  frientl- 
ly  recognition  and  countenance  you  have  alforded  them;  and  I trust  will  be 
benefited  by  your  couiasols.  1 feci  it  due  to  them,  in  consideration  of  the 
peculiar  relation  in  which  they  stand  to  this  people,  and  in  view  of  the  cor- 
respondence which  you. have  had  with  them,  to  enclose  to  you  a copy  of  a 
letter  recently  received  from  f lis  Majesty,  in  reply  to  inquiries  I felt  it  neces- 
sary, for  my  own  information  and  tli^^of  my  government,  to  make. 

Be  pleased.  Sir,  to  accept  the  assurances  of  the  sentiments  of 
Respect  and  esteem,  with  wliich  I remain,  very  truly. 
Your  most  obedient  servant, 

„ , ^ „ P.  A.  BRIXS.MADE. 

To  Geo.  C.  Re.vd,  Ksq., 

Com.nanding  the  U.  S.  E.  1.  Squadron. 


N'o.  10. 

The  United  Slates  Consul  lo  the  Missionaries. 

I'nited  States  Consulate,  ) 

Sandwich  (.sloiids,  Oct.  •‘11,  IR."0.  y 

Gentlemen;—  Your  comniiinioation  of  the  26th  instant , has  been  receiv- 
ed. So  soon  as  Commodore  Read  had  disposed  of  engagements  that  were 
then  occupying  his  time,  I addressed  Rim  formally  on  the  subject  (o  which 
you  solicited  my  uttenlion;  and  that  you  may  have  the  earliest  and  circum- 
stantial information  in  regard  lo  liis  views,  I herewith  transmit  lo  you  a copy 
of  the  correspondence  had  with  him.  By  my  second  letter  you  will  learn  my 
views  in  respect  to  the  propriety  of  agitating  further  the  matter  on  which 
you  feel  aggrieved. 

It  seems  due  to  the  government  whose  ‘protection  j'ou  claim,  that  you 
should  have  unhesitating  confidence  in  its  wisdom,  and  that  you  should  wait 


p\tientiy  for  its  acdon  upon  a case  in  whicli  it  is  understood  you  have  sonous* 
ly  called  for  its  interposition. 

J remain,  Gentlemen,  very  respectfully. 


To  Messrs,  H.  Bingham, 

Gerrit  P.  .ludd, 
Levi  Chamberlain, 
Amos  S.  t.’ooke, 

S.  N.  Castle, 
Henry  Dimond, 
Horton  O.  Knapp, 
L.  Smtth. 


No. 


Vour  most  Obt.  Servt., 

P.  A.  BKLNSMADE. 


The  Missionaries  to  Commodore  Read. 


Honolulu,  November!,  1839. 

Sir: — Your  communication  of  the  2Sth  ult.,  was  received  on  the  after, 
noon  of  the  29th.  As  it  seemed  to  require  no  answer,  we  have  thus  long  de- 
layed the  acknowledgment  of  its  receipt;  and  we  will  only  say  in  relation 
to  it,  that  we  regret  you  find  yourself  unable  at  this  time  to  institute  a court 
of  inquiry,  and  prosecute  that  investi^tion  into  the  validity  of  the  charges 
brought  against  the  Mission,  which  we  so  much  desire,  and  which  we  think 
the  cause  of  truth  demands. 

It  gives  us  pleasure  to  embrace  this  opportunity  to  bear  testimony  to  the 
kindness  and  urbanity  which  have  uniformly  marked  your  intercourse,  & that 
ofCapt.  Wyman,  and  the  officers  of  the  squadron  under  your  command,  with 
us;  and  it  is  our  ardent  desire  that  wherever  the  stars  and  stripes  of  our  Union 
are  unfurled  — whether  upon  the  sea  or  upon  the  land,  whether  amongst  sav- 
age, barbarous,  or  civilized  nations  — the  blessings  of  peace  may  be  enjoyed, 
and  similar  testimony  be  justly  awarded  to  the  deportment  of  her  highly  fa- 
vored sons.  We  regret  not  only  on  our  own  account  that  causes  beyond  your 
control  impel  you  to  hasten  your  departure,  but  because  of  the  salutary  in- 
fluence which  we  have  reason  to  believe  a more  prolonged  stay  would  exert 
upon  the  government  and  native  population  of  these  islands. 

Allow  us,  in  bidding  you  farewell,  to  tender  you  our  best  wishes  for  your 
prosperity;  and  our  prayer  in  your  behalfis.that  by  the  blessing  of  Him  who 
rules  the  raging  flood,  and  can  say  to  the  angry  .'ea,  “Peace,  be  still,”  and 
be  obeyed,  you  and  those  who  sail  with  you,  may  be  safely  wafted  over  the 
bosom  of  the  deep,  to  the  shores  of  our  own  beloved  country ; that  you  may 
be  fitted  and  prepared,  not  only  for  the  enjoyment  of  the  happiness  of  the 
life  that  now  is,  but  of  that  which  is  to  come. 

With  sentiments  ol  high  consideration,  we  have  the 

Honor  to  subscribe  ourselves,  very  respectfully', 

Vour  fellow-citizens,  and  obedient  servants, 

H.  Bingham,  Samuel  N.  Castle, 

L.  Smith,  Levi  Ch.ambekl.vin, 

CJehrit  P.  .Iudd,  Amos  S.  Cooke, 

Henry  Dimond,  Horton  0.  Knai*P, 

To  Geo.  C.  Read,  Fisq.,  Comimnding 
the  II.  S.  East  India  Squadron,  Hona- 
lulu  Rqads,  Sandwich  Island^. 


We  are  unauthorized  by  the  gentlemen  who  ordered 
the  publication  of  the  article  and  correspondence,  to 
make  any  comments;  and  shall  therefore  refrain  from 
doing  so,  although  some  remarks  seem  necessary  to  a 
clear  understanding  of  the  views  therein  expressed. 
It  seems  proper  to  add  a few  words  ot  explanation, 
which  we  do  upon  our  own  responsibility;  and  first,  in 
the  Commodore’s  letter  to  the  Consul.  He  says,  “If 
the  specifications  of  charges  be  required  of  the  French 
Consul,  why  were  they  not  applied  for  long  since.” 
The  answer  is;  The  mission  supposed  that  the  prop- 
er source  from  which  those  inquiries  should  origin- 
ate would  be  tlm  court  appointed  to  investigate,  and 
it  will  be  seen  by  the  correspondence  that  an  applica- 
tion for  the  institution  of  such  a court  was  made  on 
the  IGtb,  and  renewed  on  the  24th.  Second;  he 
speaks  of  the  reasons  given  in  his  letter  of  the  28th 
to  the  mission  as  being  ample  for  not  entering  into 
the  inqidry.  Said  letter  was  not  received  until  the 
29th,  and  as  the  letter  of  the  mission  to  the  Consul 
requesting  him  to  further  their  application,  was  of  an 
earlier  date,  it  will  be  seen  that  those  reasons,  what- 
ever they  were,  could  not  be  appreciated  by  the  mis- 
sion, as  they  were  unknown  to  them.  Third,  the  let- 
ter of  the  Consul  to  the  mission,  inclosing  copies  of 
the  correspondence,  was  not  received  until  some  days 
subsequent  to  date,  hence  the  reason  why  some  points 
in  the  communication  of  the  Commodore  to  the  Con- 
sul were  not  noticed  in  their  letter  to  him,  (the  Com- 
modore,) of  Nov.  2nd,  as  they  would  seem  to  require 
to  be,  being  supposed  by  the  date  of  the  Consul’s 
communication  inclosing  the  correspondence,  to  be  in 
possession  of  the  mission  while  they  were  not;  and 
fourth,  it  may  be  inferred  from  a remark  in  the  Con- 
sul’s letter  to  the  missionaries  that  they  sought  an 
investigation  with  an  earnestness  which  amounted  to 
impatience.  He  doubtless  did  not  intend  to  convey 
this  idea.  The  public  will  judge  from  the  documents 
with  what  degree  of  urgency  the  missionaries  pressed 
their  case.  They  desired  the  investigation,  suppos- 
ing it  to  be  the  best  time,  and  that  a properly  author- 
ized person  was  on  the  ground  to  prosecute  it.  They 


are  not  aware  of  feeling  any  degree  of  impatience  on 
the  subject. 

The  intercourse  of  the  commander  and  officers  of 
the  squadron  with  the  various  members  of  the  mis- 
sion present  at  Honolulu,  during  its  stay,  was  of  the 
most  agreeable  and  friendly  kind,  as  will  be  seen  by 
letter  No.  11.  S.  N.  Castle. 


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